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Beards are among the most powerful of these signifiers, and Saudi men with long beards are, in some circles, accorded immediate deference.

When I read the article, I had to wonder about some things. Is it possible that, if for some people, the focus is on appearance? "If I have a long bushy beard, everyone will think how pious I must be" vs. maintaining are more low-key appearance and actually acting in a more pious way.

In any society, it's more easy to maintain a particular appearance than it is to maintain a particular lifestyle. Perhaps this is the reason why al-Shammary's comments have aroused such hostility...... they're hitting a little too close to the mark.